On my (brisk) approach to Matrix Chambers, I considered what I would like to achieve from this work experience programme, how I intend this to shape my future, and how I could have had some coffee earlier this morning. After all, “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” (Van Gogh). A positive mindset is the first key to success, and so I was looking forward to hearing all about Matrix’s dynamic work in such an everchanging legal sector – particularly – what sets them apart. Incidentally, through induction with Theo – I quickly learned that Matrix has redefined traditional terminology, as clerks are referred to as a “practice group,” and tenancy referred to as “membership”. Perhaps this is why Matrix has won so many awards and accolades for their work within various practice areas, over the years.
We received a riveting tour of Matrix’s comprehensive facilities and Gray’s Inn as a whole – which has been host to so many historical events – including the first meeting between Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt (and of course, the first day of my work experience!). I learned that Matrix Barristers can lease offices from chambers – giving them a consistent, secure, and comfortable workspace. Talk about efficiency! After feeling a new sense of revitalization from the crisp Holborn air – we received an introduction from LSS – Matrix’s very own legal support services who had the honor of hosting and facilitating our placement. Annie and Donella in legal support pointed out one of the many ways Matrix was unique –as they have an entire group dedicated to preparing court bundles, as well as researching relevant precedents. We went through a short research task followed by Annie and Donella shedding some insight into their own experience of working within the legal sector, and fielding any questions that we had.
Following on from this and lunch, we learned that on the following day we would be sitting in the High Court to shadow Catherine Dobson – in a judicial review case concerning England’s Environmental Agency. This was eye-opening for me, as I recently studied judicial review in A-Level Politics, and so I am particularly excited to see how it operates in practice.
We ended our first day with talks from two groups, both fundamental to matrix’s success – the fees team, “I know my place, I am worth no worse a place” (Shakespeare), and the practice team, “First comes thought; then organization of that thought, into ideas and plans; the transformation of those plans into reality” (Napolean Hill). The fees team shared valuable insights into the varying levels of fees that can be applied to certain cases, whether it is a private matter, civil or criminal legal aid, or conditional fee arrangements. Who knew there were so many ways to describe ways to get paid! Elliot – a member of the practice team – shed light into where barristers are clerked – specifically that Matrix has barristers who appear not only all around the UK, but also in Dubai and the Cayman Islands. In addition, Elliot shed light into the various meticulous processes which he personally undertakes to ensure a barrister is the best fit for each case.
Day two at Matrix Chambers began with a brief introduction to a case we would be observing for most of the morning at the High Court, surrounding media and defamation law. For me personally, defamation and privacy law is an area that I was, and still am, personally interested in exploring, having conducted research on Depp v Heard and Vardy v Rooney. Henceforth, I found it captivating to read through Guy Vassal-Adams KC’s skeleton submissions regarding whether the respondent had breached a consent order. We then walked into the High Court and observed both Vassal-Adams and opposing counsel make their relevant submissions, with a particular point of interest for me being the respondent’s previous status as a litigant in person, and how this impacted relevant disclosure on the part of the claimants. Overall, this hearing left a positive impression on me and significantly advanced my interests in media and defamation law. I look forward to advancing this interest in the future.
After hearing from both counsel from the claimants and respondents, we then moved on to hearing a portion of the environmental law case which we were introduced to the previous day. It was notable to see that the high court judge was diligently examining both sides of counsels’ submissions. It was also reassuring that judicial awareness and integrity is at an all-time high, at a time where judges face rampant criticism for their judicial work. I ended day two at the high court, and I am looking forward to day three, where I am observing the court of appeal at the RCJ!
Moving along, day three at Matrix was centered around an immigration case that had garnered significant media attention over the past six months. This case was unique – in that it featured two silks for both the appellant and respondent, and multitudes of both junior barristers and solicitors. It was magnificent to see two “heavyweight silks”, Raza Husain KC, a well-practiced human rights and immigration focused barrister who had been recently been instructed in the Palestine Action litigation, and and the “Treasury Devil”, , -, eloquently and smoothly explain the sides of their respective cases. I found it surprising to see both barristers’ relevant informal nature towards each other – which only could have been justified by the fact that both barristers had opposed each other numerous times, and as such were very familiar with each other. However, this does strengthen my view that the Bar is a very collegiate environment, and at the end of the day, you are working towards the best outcome for a case, for your client, not for yourself.
As this was day two of the hearing, Mr Husain KC’s submissions were the centerpiece of the day. The case on a whole was centered around the interpretation of family life and what it means in a resettlement context, with the first half of MrHusain KC’s submissions surrounding relevant domestic, and European precedent. The most significant element of precedent submissions for me – was how clear it was that only a small chunk of precedent was needed to justify and make an argument. The detailed analysis that followed precedent submissions reminded me of the work that I conduct in A-Level History, and I can definitely see how the foundation of skills I am acquiring during my A-Levels will help me in my future career. Husain KC consistently signposted his structure, and eventually – after Ground 1 was tied up – moved on to Grounds 2 and 3, which surrounded the relevant facts of the case – which differed from the relevant law. After Mr Husain KC’s submissions were complete, Eadie KC’s “re-direct” submissions began – in which he briefly used parts of precedent to justify his argument, countering the submissions made by Mr Husain KC. After a brief redirect, the proceedings came to a halt, and thus ended a day of captivation, in which new, significant insights were developed.
In closing, day four began with updating this blog with new insights to bring to all of you, an introduction to the Future Lawyers Scheme, my subsequent interview for the future lawyers scheme, and an introduction to using Westlaw regarding a legal research task concerning Rooney vs Vardy, which I was excited to delve into. We spoke with Guy Vassall-Adams KC, surrounding his work as a media and defamation barrister, fielded questions based on his work in his case, and spoke about wider legal professionals. We then had the opportunity to have coffee with two trainee barristers, which involved hearing about their pathways into the law, specifically surrounding where they see themselves by the end of their traineeship. I ended my work experience placement with a chat with Annie & Donella, who gave us insights into university life and the law, and answered any subsequent questions that we had.
On a final note, I would recommend a placement with Matrix to anybody who seeks to gain experience and interest into not only how the law operates and the relevant factors that play into the day to day experience of a barrister, but also to those who may want exposure to how a chambers operates – and the meniscal details that play into certain barristers chambers operating more effectively than others. My insights with the practice team, LSS and fees, have greatly developed my perspective and exposure to the law. Placements are the blueprints; it is what you gain and develop during your placement that shapes you.